This
U.S. Department of Energy study demonstrated how elastic constraints
and unique petrophysical parameters can be estimated for shallow seafloor
strata using four-component, ocean-bottom-sensor (4-C OBS) seismic
data. Maps of shear moduli, bulk moduli, and facies-sensitive Vp/
Vs velocity ratios were created across a large, 400-mi2 area of the
Gulf of Mexico to illustrate how seafloor strength and facies distributions
can be determined across gas-hydrate trends. This study documented
the important principle that P waves and C waves often image different
stratal surfaces and provide two independent, complimentary views
of sequence stratigraphy.

A
large number of 4-C OBS data were provided by Seitel Data to support
this research. Shallow subsurface geologic and engineering data across
the study site were collected by Devon Energy and Rice University.